To carry a firearm as a security officer you must apply for a Special Police Officer aka an SPO Certification. SPOs are employed by private security agencies but still have identical powers of arrest as regular law enforcement -- provided that the arrest is for an offense that occurred within the jurisdiction of the special police officer.

Here are some of the steps required to become a SPO in the District of Columbia.

1. Review the instructions for getting an unarmed security license. The process for becoming a special police officer is very similar to the security officer application process -- with a few exceptions: a special police officer must be at least 21 years of age, unlike a security officer who can obtain his license at age 18; and, a special police officer does not take the security officer's examination; and, a special police officer must be a citizen of the United States.

2. Become familiar with the provisions of the District's Title 6A. This title of DC code establishes the requirements and legal expectations of the District's special police officers. Study it carefully.

3. Participate in a 40 hour armed SPO training course.

SPO training is provided by various training providers in the DC area and can be found with a simple google search for "DC SPO training."

The training course will include firearms training with a live-fire range test and an overview of the responsibilities and legal authority of a special police officer. Depending on the provider, expect to pay between $350 and $700 for the cost of the training and your ammunition.

NOTICE: You must pass the range test within 90 days of your application for the special police officer license. Keep this in mind as you schedule your training.

4. Include a range certification and approved gun list with your licensing application. The range certification should have been given to you by your training provider. The approved gun lists comes from your employer; the security agency that is sponsoring your application.

This requirement applies to the SPO applicants who are required to carry firearms. Special Police Officers must receive an armed commission in order to carry firearms. The granting of a special police license does not in and of itself grant the ability to work as an armed officer.

5. Submit a copy of your Certificate of Release from Active Duty. This requirement only applies to those who have served in the military. The is your DD-214 form that was provided to you by the Department of Defense at the time of your separation from the military.

6. Pay the fees. The SPO license requires a payment of $84 to Pearson VUE and $35 to the D.C. Treasurer (when submitting fingerprints to SOMB.)

7. Ensure that your sponsoring agency meets the "16 hour" requirement. DC Code requires your employing agency to provide 16 hours of on-the-job training. This training must be provided to you within the first 90 days of your employment.

8. Keep up with in-service training. Special officers take eight hours of annual continuing education and training.